How to Plan Your Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet in Rotorua

Rotorua is a city located on New Zealand’s North Island, known for its natural hot springs and geothermal activity. One of the best ways to experience the culture and traditions of Rotorua is by visiting the Mitai Maori Village. The Mitai Maori Village offers an immersive cultural experience that includes a hangi (earth-cooked buffet), a bush walk to view the flora and fauna and see glow worms, and a concert featuring traditional songs, dances, and the formidable haka war dance. If you are interested in planning your visit to the Mitai Maori Village, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know.

1. Booking Your Tour

To begin with, you will need to book your tour. The Mitai Maori Village offers tours that depart daily from the Rotorua city centre. You can book your tour in advance through their website or through third-party travel websites like GetYourGuide. The tour costs about $117 NZD per adult and about $65 NZD for children between 5 and 14 years old.

2. Getting to Mitai Maori Village

Mitai Maori Village is located about 20 minutes from Rotorua city centre. If you choose the tour option that includes pickup from your Rotorua accommodation, a shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the village. If you choose not to take the pickup option, you can either drive to the Mitai Maori Village or take a taxi.

3. The Experience

Once you arrive at the Mitai Maori Village, you will be greeted by a beautiful Maori maiden dressed in traditional attire. She will provide you with a warm welcome and explain the guidelines for entering the sacred site. You will then choose a chief from your group to represent those who are visiting the village. After the greeting, you will witness warriors in traditional dress paddling an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream. You will also have a chance to see the glow worms in their natural habitat. Next, you will attend an entertaining concert that includes traditional songs, dances, and the formidable haka war dance. You will be fascinated and captivated by the haka war dance. This dance is a traditional Maori war cry, and it is performed by a group of warriors to demonstrate their strength and power. Finally, you will watch as the feast is removed from the earth-cooked oven, and you will learn the art of the hangi. This buffet is cooked beneath the ground, and it consists of a variety of meats and vegetables. You will have plenty to eat and drink, including New Zealand wine and beer.

4. A Bush Walk

As part of your experience, you can also go on a bush walk to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. The guide will take you through a beautiful natural setting, and you will have a chance to see the sacred Fairy Spring. Additionally, you will get to view the glow worms in their natural habitat, which is a truly unique experience.

Book Your Tour Now

The Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet is an incredible way to experience the culture and traditions of Rotorua. From the beautiful greeting by the Maori maiden to the captivating haka war dance and delicious hangi buffet, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua. Book your tour today and experience the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. Book the tour here.

FAQs About the City of Rotorua

Rotorua is a city located on the southern shore of New Zealand’s Lake Rotorua. It’s a geothermal wonderland filled with bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs. If you’re planning a trip to Rotorua, you may have many questions about what to do, where to stay, and what to expect. This FAQ guide will help answer some of the most frequently asked questions for visitors to the city.

1. What are the Must-See Attractions in Rotorua?

There are plenty of attractions to see in Rotorua, but some of the must-see ones include:

• Te Puia: A Maori cultural center featuring geysers, hot springs, and traditional performances.
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A geothermal park that features the famous Champagne Pool and other colorful hot springs.
• Whakarewarewa: A living Maori village with geothermal activity, cultural shows, and a museum.
• Redwoods Forest: A beautiful forest filled with towering trees and walking trails.
• Hells Gate: A geothermal park with mud baths, hot springs, and a Maori carving studio.

2. What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Rotorua?

Rotorua is known for its geothermal wonders, but it’s also a great location for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular activities include:

• Zorbing: Roll down hills inside an inflatable ball.
• Mountain Biking: Ride through the Whakarewarewa Forest or the Skyline Gravity Park.
• White Water Rafting: Ride rapids on the Kaituna or Rangitaiki rivers.
• Hiking: Visit one of the many walking trails in the surrounding forests.
• Fishing: Go trout fishing on one of the many lakes or streams.

3. Is Rotorua a Good Place to Bring Kids?

Yes, Rotorua is a great place to bring kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, parks, and experiences, including:

• Agroventures Adventure Park: Home to the world’s only Shweeb racetrack and other thrill rides.
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park: Home to a variety of wildlife, a kiwi hatchery, and a water park.
• Tamaki Maori Village: A Maori cultural experience with performances and interactive activities for kids.
• Skyline Rotorua: Take a gondola to the Skyline complex for breathtaking views and fun activities, including a luge track and zip line.
• Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park: Home to a variety of wildlife, walking trails, and opportunities to feed animals.

4. What Are Some of the Best Places to Eat in Rotorua?

For a relatively small city, Rotorua has a range of dining options for all budgets and tastes. Some recommended restaurants include:

• Atticus Finch: A trendy cafe with great coffee and brunch options.
• Ponsonby Road Bistro: A popular spot for New Zealand cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
• CBK Rotorua: A pub-style restaurant with a great beer selection and hearty meals.
• Capers Epicurean: A cafe with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and vegetarian options.
• Tarawera Te Wairoa: A Maori dining experience with traditional hangi (cooked in an earth oven) and cultural performances.

5. What is the Best Time to Visit Rotorua?

Rotorua is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (December-February) is the peak tourist season, and the weather is warm and sunny. However, the school holidays can make the city crowded. Spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) are great times to visit for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) can be chilly, but it’s a good time for skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mount Ruapehu.

6. Where Should You Stay in Rotorua?

Rotorua has a range of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes, including hotels, motels, hostels, and holiday parks. Some recommended places to stay include:

• Regent of Rotorua: A luxury boutique hotel in the city center.
• Pukuatua Lodge: A cozy bed and breakfast located near the thermal attractions.
• YHA Rotorua: A budget-friendly hostel with a great location.
• Millennium Hotel Rotorua: A modern hotel overlooking Lake Rotorua.
• Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park: A family-friendly holiday park with cabins, campsites, and a pool.

7. How Do You Get to Rotorua?

Rotorua has a regional airport (Rotorua Regional Airport) that receives direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Alternatively, you can drive to Rotorua from major cities such as Auckland (3 hours), Hamilton (1.5 hours), or Wellington (5.5 hours). Bus and shuttle services are also available from various locations.

Book Your Tour Now

Rotorua is a fascinating city that caters to a range of interests and budgets. Whether you’re coming for the geothermal attractions, outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With this FAQ guide, you should be well-equipped to plan your visit to Rotorua with confidence.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Rotorua

Rotorua, located on the North Island of New Zealand, is known for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and outdoor adventures. It’s a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The city offers a wide variety of activities, and if you’re not sure where to begin, this guide will help you plan your itinerary.

1. Explore the Geothermal Parks

Rotorua is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with significant geothermal activity. The city is home to several geothermal parks, including Wai-O-Tapu, Te Puia, and Hell’s Gate. These parks offer visitors the chance to see geysers, hot pools, mud pools, and other natural wonders. Wai-O-Tapu is perhaps the most well-known geothermal park in Rotorua. Its highlights include the Champagne Pool, an orange and green hot spring, and the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15 am. Te Puia is another popular option, which also features a cultural center where visitors can learn about Maori art and traditions.

2. Visit a Maori Cultural Center

Rotorua has a significant Maori population, and visitors can learn about Maori culture and traditions at several cultural centers in the city. Te Puia offers cultural shows that include traditional song, dance, and even haka performances. The Tamaki Maori Village is another popular option, where visitors can experience a traditional hangi feast and learn about Maori history and customs.

3. Try the Local Cuisine

Rotorua offers a unique cuisine that features local ingredients and traditional Maori dishes. Hangi is perhaps the most well-known Maori dish, which is cooked in an underground oven with hot stones. The meat and vegetables come out tender and infused with smoky flavors. Other local specialties include geothermal-cooked eggs, which are cooked in the waters of the Champagne Pool, and whitebait fritters, a dish made with small, freshwater fish. You can find these dishes at restaurants throughout the city, including the Terrace Kitchen and the Pig and Whistle.

4. Soak in the Hot Pools

Rotorua is home to several natural hot pools that are perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. The Polynesian Spa is perhaps the most popular option, offering a variety of thermal pools with different temperatures and mineral compositions. Other hot pool options include Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring where you can bathe in warm water surrounded by lush vegetation, and Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, which offer a more secluded experience in a natural bush setting.

5. Go Ziplining

Rotorua offers several zipline options that allow visitors to soar above the forest canopy and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Rotorua Canopy Tours is one such option, where visitors can zip through ancient forests and see native flora and fauna up close. Another option is Skyline Rotorua, which has a zipline that descends 60 meters down Mount Ngongotaha. This option also includes a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and several other thrilling activities, including a luge track and a zipline course.

6. Take a Helicopter Tour

Rotorua’s unique landscape and geothermal activity offer stunning views from above. Visitors can take helicopter tours that offer panoramic views of the city, including its lakes, forests, and geothermal parks. Volcanic Air Safaris is one such option, offering tours that include stops at White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano. Another option is Helipro, which offers custom tours and transportation services throughout the region.

Book Your Tour Now

Rotorua has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and relaxation. Make sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your visit. With these suggestions, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Rotorua. Remember to enjoy yourself and stay safe. Rotorua is home to some unique and exciting experiences, so make the most of them.